Freddie Mercury’s 70th Birthday: Fans Celebrate On Twitter

Freddie Mercury would have turned 70 on Monday. Fans across the world are now marking his birthday on Twitter with the hashtag, “#Freddie70.”

Mercury was born on September 5, 1946. In 1970, Queen was formed. The group, with hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions,” became one of the most legendary music acts of all time.

And Mercury, with his high-pitched voice and flamboyant style, was a bonafide icon. Tragically, though, his life was cut short in 1991 due to AIDs. He was just 45.

That makes today an especially bittersweet occasion. In honor of the birthday milestone, the use of both “#Freddie70” and “#FreddieMercury” prompt special emojis on Twitter. Fan ‏@HobbitLindsey even tweeted, “The only trend that matters today is #Freddie70.”

@linkinluke posted, “TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN FREDDIE’S 70TH BIRTHDAY. RIP to a great performer, a musical genius, and a legend.” @whoopsydaisyy said, “Happy 70th to the best there was, there is and there ever will be.” @Morleystan commented, “Happy Birthday to the greatest singer of all time. I hope he is smiling and having fun….wherever he is.”

Calling Mercury “my greatest source of happiness and one of the most talented musicians ever,” @TommoToTheStars noted, “He will never be forgotten.” @denniswiIson said, “happy 70 to the greatest vocalist, performer, and one of the best songwriter of the last century.” And ‏@valpanna predicted Mercury “would still be rocking away” if he was alive today.

To coincide with his birthday, longtime collaborator Brian May has announced an asteroid, discovered the same year of his death, will be named in Mercury’s honor. “This announcement is to recognize Freddie’s outstanding influence in the world,” May said. Indeed, Mercury continues to have an effect on pop culture.